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Source:  Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P., “Humility according to St. Thomas,” The Thomist 1 (April 1939): 3–21.  

The question of whether the ‘Great Books’ curriculum represents true classical Catholic education is of great importance in contemporary educational discourse. The ‘Great Books’ approach, which emerged in the early twentieth century, seeks to form students by reading and discussing a canon of influential works from Western civilization, often in seminar-style settings. Proponents argue that this curriculum provides a broad and deep engagement with the intellectual tradition of the West. However, the rise of the ‘Great Books’ movement has coincided with a decline in traditional classical Catholic education, which was historically rooted in the study of the liberal arts, the … Continue

The question of whether the Latin language should be studied by modern students is one that has been considered in various educational circles for centuries. Latin, once the lingua franca of the Roman Empire and the language of the Church, law, science, and literature throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era, has seen its role diminish with the rise of vernacular languages. Nevertheless, its influence persists in many aspects of Western civilization, including language, literature, philosophy, and theology. The study of Latin has historically been regarded as essential for a well-rounded education, particularly in the classical tradition. In … Continue

In the modern world, education is commonly associated with the public school system. This system, developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, was intended to provide a general education for all citizens, regardless of class, wealth, or ability. The aim was not to cultivate intellectual excellence or develop philosophical minds, but to ensure that all citizens would be able to read, write, and perform basic calculations, while learning to function productively in democratic society. From its beginning, the structure of public schooling placed limits on how much education could be offered, because it was built on the principle of … Continue

For young men and women discerning a vocation to the religious life, it is essential to understand the variety of religious orders within the Catholic Church. These communities are not all the same. Each one has a distinct spiritual focus, or “charism,” that defines its way of life, prayer, and apostolic work. In this article, we will introduce many of the major religious orders in the Church today, organized by their historical origin and mission. Each section includes the founder, the time of foundation, the charism, and a link to the order’s official website for further study. The Benedictines (Order … Continue